Judoka Katryna Esposito secured Malta’s first and only medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday, 31 July, claiming bronze in the women’s -48kg judo category. She sealed her place on the podium with a juji-gatame armlock against Scotland’s Eva Ewing, winning by ippon and earning a second successive Commonwealth bronze after Birmingham 2022.
The result further establishes Esposito as one of Malta’s most consistent international performers and gave Team Malta its sole podium finish of the Games. It was especially significant for SportMalta: Esposito is a valued member of the organisation’s team, so her medal represents both a national sporting success and a proud achievement for her SportMalta colleagues.
A Second Commonwealth Bronze
Competing in an eight-athlete draw, Esposito began at the quarter-final stage, defeating Mauritius’ Marie Thomas by waza-ari. She was then beaten by Canada’s Heidi Quach by ippon in the semi-final, sending her into the bronze medal contest against Ewing. Esposito first scored a yuko before transitioning into the decisive armlock for ippon.
After the event, Esposito described the medal as the product of years of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance. She also highlighted the months of hard work, overseas training camps and regular international competition that helped prepare her for Glasgow. SportMalta formed an important part of the support network behind this preparation, alongside her federation, club, sponsors and other partners.
A Career Built on Consistency
Esposito has built a strong record since her first Commonwealth medal. Her results include bronze at the Tunis and Algiers African Opens in 2023, gold at the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe, gold at the 2024 Commonwealth Judo Championships in Malta, and silver at both the Tunis and Algiers African Opens in 2026.
Her achievements were recognised in 2023, when she was named Sportiva tas-Sena at the 63rd SportMalta Awards – GħaÅžliet Sportivi Nazzjonali. Her continued success demonstrates the value of SportMalta’s investment in elite sport. Financial and logistical assistance from SportMalta, together with support from the Malta Judo Federation, TignÃĐ Judo Club, sponsors and other partners, has helped her access overseas training camps, specialist preparation and regular international competition.
Minister Congratulates Esposito
Hon. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri congratulated Esposito on her result, placing it within the context of Malta’s wider participation at the Games. He said: âWe are proud of the 21 athletes representing Malta at the Commonwealth Games. Special congratulations to Katryna Esposito for winning the bronze medal in judo.â
Recognition for the Wider Delegation
Esposito’s medal was achieved as part of a wider Maltese delegation of 21 athletes who competed across various disciplines at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Each athlete’s presence at the Games reflected years of training and preparation, and their participation on this stage stands as a recognition of the dedication and commitment invested by the athletes themselves, as well as their coaches and support staff, in reaching international level competition.
Looking Ahead
Esposito has identified qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as her long-term objective. Her Glasgow bronze underlines the continued progress of Maltese judo and highlights the role of SportMalta support, sponsorship and coordinated partnerships in helping Maltese athletes succeed internationally.
